England's World Cup hopes were ended in devastating fashion as Argentina scored two late goals to secure a 2-1 victory in the semi-final. For the fifth time at major tournaments, the Three Lions fell at the semi-final stage, with Lionel Messi inspiring the world champions to a comeback that secured their place in Sunday's final against Spain.
Gordon's Opener Raises Hopes
Anthony Gordon had put Thomas Tuchel's men ahead 10 minutes into the second half, turning home Morgan Rogers' fine cross. England looked poised to reach their first World Cup final since 1966, but Lionel Scaloni's side showed their resilience.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez thrashed home from long range with five minutes remaining to level the score. As the game ticked into injury time, with England having six defenders on the pitch after Tuchel adopted a defensive approach, Messi's cross was nodded home by Lautaro Martinez to break English hearts.
Player Ratings
England player ratings: Jordan Pickford 7 – good long-range kicking, commanded his penalty box better, and made an outstanding low save to deny Gonzalez. Reece James 5 – a surprise selection at right-back who did not make his crossing opportunities count before departing injured. John Stones 7 – rightly rewarded with a start and put in another assured shift. Marc Guehi 7 – his calmness and quality on the ball settles the defence. Djed Spence 8 – a warrior who celebrated one sensational challenge on Simeone like it was a goal.
Declan Rice 5 – back after illness, his passing was off key at times but played a role in the goal. Elliot Anderson 7 – flew into tackles, combative and strong. Morgan Rogers 7 – got the nod on the right wing and justified it with a brilliant cross for Gordon. Jude Bellingham 7 – one magical turn to leave Giuliano Simeone on his back side. Anthony Gordon 7 – brilliantly timed run for the opener, worked hard but was surprisingly replaced early. Harry Kane 5 – surpassed Wayne Rooney's caps record for an outfield player but the game passed him by.
Substitutes used: Konsa (Gordon 71'), Burn (James 82'), O'Reilly (Rice 82'), Rashford (Spence 90'), Toney (Stones 90'). Subs not used: Chalobah, Eze, D Henderson, J Henderson, Madueke, Mainoo, Saka, Trafford, Watkins.
Argentina: Martinez 7; Molina 5 (Montiel 71'), Martinez 7 (Otamendi 71'), Romero 6, Tagliafico 6 (La Martinez 81'); Fernandez 8, Mac Allister 7, Paredes 6 (Gonzalez 63'), Simeone 6 (De Paul 71'), Alvarez 6, Messi 8. Man of the match: Djed Spence.
